How do I know if there is animal abuse in the place I travel to?

When we travel with the responsible tourist that we often wonder if all those places that seem magical will leave a bad taste in our mouths when we discover that they were not what we thought. From the areas that we thought were virgin and there is someone selling a photo with a wild animal in their arms, to the centres that we thought rescued animals, but really use them as a spectacle.

Sometimes the signs of mistreatment and animal exploitation are not very clear until we reach our destination. For all these reasons it is worth investigating a little before deciding. To discard options, even though we will never be able to be 100% sure of not finding some unpleasant experience, we can follow these tips:

Another option is to consult the recommended center if you are interested in visiting and helping animals in the area.

If in doubt, look in our blog on behalf of the place you plan to go. Maybe we’ll write something you might be interested in.

Generally ,you can find a photo gallery Generally, ready give you clues if you start to see people touching or carrying wild animals in their arms. It is also worth consulting the “experiences” they offer, paying attention when talking about rescue centers, sanctuaries, animal orphanages, etc.. Remember that there are many false centers that are passed off as places where they save animals and really exist only for profit. If you are going to see elephants, remember to consult what differentiates a false sanctuary from a true rescue center.

Investigate social networks

Searching the name of the place in the networks you can get a lot of information that does not appear on their website. In addition to the reviews of the site, you will find photos and videos that will clearly show you if the animals have been mistreated in that place. If there are photos of people hugging wild animals, with puppies of these animals, riding elephants, feeding any kind of animal without problems, touching them or wild animals appearing in a medium other than their own (naturally there are no lions, elephants or tigers in the pools), you can get used to the idea that this place thinks about business and the animals are used as a means to get happy tourists who pay for taking pictures.

Take a look at the worst criticisms on websites like Tripadvisor or similar.
Criticism can be for any reason and, paradoxically, there are centres in which animals are mistreated and they appear with very good criticisms on these websites and just two or three comments on the situation of the animals. Therefore, it is better not to take into account the number of good or bad comments, but what the bad ones say (and some “good” ones who have spent “the best day of their life riding an elephant”). See if they talk about animals, what they say about them and you’ll have a clue. If some users, even if they are few, talk about the bad state of the animals, the best thing is to investigate the social networks to verify it.

Consult us if you have doubts about a specific place

But remember: In many cases we can’t travel there, so the best advice is the one you can give us. Your experience will always be welcome, if you find a place where you have seen signs of animal abuse, let us know!